Fredericksburg in Stafford County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Chatham and the Civil War

Photographed by Kevin W., January 5, 2008

1. Chatham and the Civil War Marker

Inscription. The Civil War focused national attention on Chatham, which became known as the Lacy House after its wartime owner, J. Horace, Lacy. Federal troops first occupied Fredericksburg in the sping of 1862 and their commander, Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell, was the first of a series of Northern officers to establish his headquarters at the Lacy House. Union artillerymen bombarded the city and its Confederate defenders from gun emplacements near Chatham and Federal infantry crossed the Rappahannock on pontoon bridtes below the house during the Battle of Fredericksburg. Hundreds of wounded soldiers received treatment from military surgeons and volunteer nurses inside the mansion while many of the dead were buried on the grounds. After the battle, the Lacy House served as a refuge for pickets and a rest station where weary Federal troops received provisions. With the end of the war, Lacy returned to his home to find it in as shattered a condition as his hopes for Southern independence.

Erected by United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Notable Buildings • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.

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38° 18.546′ N, 77° 27.265′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. It is on Chatham Lane. Marker is located at Chatham Manor, part of the Fredericksburg National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 Chatham Ln, Fredericksburg VA 22404, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Chatham (here, next to this marker); Beyond the Big House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Chatham (here, next to this marker); Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (a few steps from this marker); A Changed Landscape (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Sow…Tend…Harvest (within shouting distance of this marker); A “Picture of Desolation” (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bombardment (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Lincoln's Review (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Sow…Tend…Harvest (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Regarding Chatham and the Civil War. This marker was replaced by a new one named Beyond the Big House (see nearby markers).

Photographed by Kevin W., January 5, 2008

2. Chatham and the Civil War Marker

Adjacent marker showing a portrait of Chatham during the Civil War image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., January 5, 2008

3. Adjacent marker showing a portrait of Chatham during the Civil War

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,766 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 14, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.